A theological and literary introduction to the biblical story, from creation to apocalypse. Follows the great themes of the Bible, such as paradise, peoplehood, and the presence of God. Students will learn to interpret biblical stories, discover the images and themes that appear throughout the Christian Bible, and gain an appreciation of scripture as the root of Christian faith today.

This course introduces students to Roman Catholic tradition and its faith, doctrines, theology, ritual, spirituality and moral life. Its goals include 1) acquainting students with the distinctive spirit of the Catholic vision and tradition as it relates to other Christian denominations and religious traditions; 2) helping students to recognize that Catholicism is a theological heritage that encompasses a rich tradition of persons, doctrines, ways of celebrating, moral living, praying and social justice; and 3) familiarizing students with the challenges that contemporary Catholicism faces in the Third Millennium.

Explores effective leadership concepts in order to identify those most suitable for parish youth ministers, catechetical leaders and those teaching theology in Catholic schools. Students will learn methods of recruitment, training, and establishing a leadership system.

The application of developmental psychology to faith formation for parish youth ministers, catechetical leaders and those teaching theology in Catholic schools. Also exposes students to social science data about the religious attitudes of young people in the U.S.

Discussions and readings (biblical, classical, and contemporary) related to the topic of Christian Anthropology. Topics covered include: Creation; Being Human (imago Dei, free, relational, etc.); Sin; Grace; Death; Judgment; Heaven and Hell.

This course examines the major documents of the Second Vatican Council and how the paradigm shift experienced impacts the Roman Catholic tradition in the United States since 1965. After setting the historical context of Vatican II and its place in the Catholic theological tradition, the major themes of the council are addressed with a careful reading of select documents. Attention is then given to how the shifts in Vatican II, rooted in the documents, has effected contemporary concerns in the United States such as ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue, understanding of church, the nature of theological reflection and relationship of faith to the world.

Explores the meaning of love, marriage, and human sexuality from a theological perspective. Aided by the insights from the psychological and social sciences, as well as ethical philosophy, this course seeks to comprehend an appropriately Christian vision of the meaning and purpose of human sexuality and love.

Probes the Apostle’s theology in its Jewish context. The course focuses upon the form of Paul’s letters, the different situations he addressed, his understanding of Jews and Gentiles together, his vision of Christ, and his interpretation of the Jewish Bible (the Old Testament).

An introduction to the official social teachings of the Catholic Church and the lived experience of the Judeo-Christian tradition in the United States since the end of the nineteenth century. Attention is given to the theological vision, the anthropology, and the principles used by the Church in its moral reflection on the various social problems of our day including rights and duties of workers and employers, racism, sexism, attacks on the dignity of human life and the family, political tyranny, economic injustice in the Third and Fourth worlds, and war.

An exploration of the diverse theology and literature of early Judaism. Includes an extended study of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Other foci include early Jewish biblical interpretation, the Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, the so-called rewritten Bible, Jewish apocalyptic, the Jewish historian Josephus, and the Jewish philosopher Philo. Students will gain an appreciation of the Jesus movement in its native context and discover the Jewish roots of Christian theology.

An introduction to the Christian tradition’s understanding of Jesus as the Christ. After a brief review of the biblical data, this course considers the tradition’s reflection on Jesus of Nazareth as found in the early Christological councils and later theologians. 

Integrated study of music and liturgy; historical, theological study of basic liturgy and function of music in liturgy; musician’s role in a parish.

Development of skills in liturgical planning and liturgical ministries by guided experience, evaluation, readings, and discussion.

A focused study of the work of a theologian or theologians of the Christian theological tradition. Prerequisite: a theology course or instructor approval. Credits may be earned under different titles. Offered as TF when instructor approves.

A biblical and historical examination of Christian ministry. Compares pre- and post-Vatican II Catholic ideas. Topics include lay and ordained ministry, gender issues and recent advances in faith formation.

Approved career-related work experience in the Theology field, established by contract between Career Development, major advisor and student. Prerequisite: Approval of the department chairperson.

Individually-negotiated project of defined nature established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar. Prerequisite: Approval of the department chairperson.